Chicago’s Soft Speaker is something to write home about in an age where there just isn’t much to write home about. Their new full length, I’ll Tend Your Garden, is a mix of classic rebel rock (think Neil Young at his most agitated), fuzz-laden Alternative Rock (think Generous Maria, Jane’s Addiction’s trippier moments, late eighties Neil Young, and Dinosaur, Jr. in a blender), and eighties New Wave/Pseudo-Goth (?) (think Dead Artist Syndrome, David Bowie’s mid-eighties work, and early Morrisey solo albums).
“Hawk Mountain Line” is a great start to the album with its buried in fuzz groovy guitars and its soaring, yet understated vocal. “Three Beggars” continues the fuzz-laden grittiness with some excellent lead guitar work and a sort of ethereal edge that reminds you just how good music can be. The Punk-infused swagger of “For a Handsome Prince” is one of the album’s highlights for sure as the band further exhibits their multiple personality disorder. It reminds me of something that could have appeared on Neil Young’s Freedom or Pearl Jam’s No Code. “Penny, Wait For Me” and “Find the Fountain” bring a more gentle and introspective grooves that expands the album’s dynamic significantly.
Really there isn’t a misfire at all here if you enjoy this style of music. Fans that like their music straightforward or clear and precise will certainly take issue with the distorted sound that seems to be the band’s signature and some people may have a really hard time moving past that as it is certainly an acquired taste. For those of you that appreciate the “alternative” in Alternative Rock, Softspeaker is for you. I’ll Tend Your Garden is an excellent romp through swampy waters if you give it a couple spins and let your mind absorb it.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
